Bobs Bay Reserve — Attraction in South Island

The bay is accessed either along a low tide walkway from Waitohi/Picton, starting from Shelley Bay (accessed via the Coathanger bridge) or, when the tide is high, via a Bush walk. The walking time at low tide is 20 minutes. The time via the bush walk is 30 to 40 minutes. Access by a car is via a drive along Waikawa Road and then turn left at the sign posted Sussex Street to drive through Victoria domain - this access is steep with many steps. The shingled beach at Bobs Bay has a grassed area and there are two benches to sit on, plus a 4 seat table for eating. Also there is a maintained long drop toilet. If you are swimming the water quickly deepens. The latter enables the Cook Strait ferries access to the Picton/ Waitohi harbour. When these large boats pass by they create big waves along the beach. It's possible to see seals and dolphins in Bobs Bay. The walkway allows you to see the natural trees and bushes as well take some good photo shots. Swimming at Bobs Bay is possible but the water deepens quickly so not for children unless well supervised. (It is better for children to swim at Shelly beach or Waikawa beach. The latter has a sandy beach with graduated water depth, a playground and hot plate cooking facilities on a...

Bob's Bay is a beautiful little spot just past Picton harbour. To reach it, it's an easy, beautiful walk about 30 from Shelly Beach or you can drive and park at Snout Track Car Park. Be aware that if you decide to park up in the car park, the walk down the bay can be steep at times and with loose stones - so wear foot wear with good grip. There's a public toilet on the bay - just a long drop but with no way of locking to door, so if you're visiting without a friend to watch the door, I suggest you whistle or sing loudly to let others know you're in there! Despite being so close to the town, it's a very quiet, calm spot. You can watch the ferries pass by or just sit and enjoy the sight of the natural beauty...

If you take the route from the top of the Picton Hill, you will get a bird's-eye view of the beautiful Sounds. The bush track down to the water's edge is quite steep in places but doable if you do not have mobility issues. If you take the right turn it will lead you to a small secluded bay, lying far below, shining like a turquoise gem and peeping through the dense bush. It is fringed by a small strip of golden beach and the waters look calm and pristine enough to swim in. Allow 10 minutes for this unless you're very fit. On a fine day the scenic views would be even more vibrant.

Picton is a small town so focus on the outdoor activities because this is where you'll get the most from the Sounds...